George Basserman

Who is George Basserman?

George A. Basserman was a noted brewery owner in the Cedar Hill neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut during the late 19th century. Born in Germany in 1832, and came to New Haven in 1851.

Basserman was owner of the Rock Brewery on State and Rock St. He blasted a cellar in at the foot of East Rock to start his brewery under which he has excavated a cellar, 200 feet deep, 24 feet wide, and 16 feet high, for storing his brewings. The average production of this brewery amounts to from 1 5,000 to 20,000 barrels a year. Once in business, he made a large bottling plant. The brewery proper comprises a three-story building, partly of stone, 185 by 50 feet in dimensions, while the attached sheds and barns cover an area 688 by 50 feet. It was also remembered for its authentic German beer gardens, built next to the brewery. Although the building was destroyed in a fire, part of the wall remains. Across the street he built a residence for his employees, which was later known as the "George Basserman Building".

1886 The State if Connecticut vs Basserman: A complaint was filled against Mr. Basserman for selling "intoxicating" liquors. And was found guilty of selling lager in Hamden, CT with out a license.